Danielle Murray saddles up for a family trip cycling the canalways and forested paths of southern France.

John Summers travels to a city devoted to Maoism - a place where Stalin is revered as a hero of the people.

You've had the first XV in Newcastle - now here are six impact players from down the road, writes Geoff Cumming.

Japan's famous train turns 50 this month but it's still streaks ahead of its class. Joanna Symons joins the birthday party.

The best way to see Hawaii's marine life is to get wet, so Heather McCracken rides a paddleboard in Oahu.

Patrick McKendry stayed in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to watch the boxing bouts of Kiwis Joseph Parker and Robert Berridge.

The real story about the song of wartime longing turns out to have a more earthy meaning, Peter Calder discovers.

Travelling with her savvy children gives Donna McIntyre new perspectives.

John Lee revisits his student daze in Canada.

Loud, hot, crazy, confronting and the hostel's full of bedbugs - Nicky Park loved every minute in Morocco.

Run the NYC marathon like a pro, even if it's your first time, says Megan Singleton.

Seen Los Angeles? Head to one of these spots to see what else California has to offer.

The world's longest war memorial takes in spectacular coast and bush, writes David Leggat.

Visiting Arizona's famous Boneyard is the realisation of a lifelong dream for a plane lover, writes Tim Stewart.

Newcastle isn't on the radar of most Kiwis. It should be, says Geoff Cumming.

Anne Farrar recharges her batteries during a week-long hiking expedition in the Selkirk Mountains.

Low-key agricultural conversions are opening up the cool, green north of Portugal to visitors, writes Fiona Dunlop.

The instant the lift doors close the unexpected happens. "Are you lonesome tonight, do you miss me tonight?" croons Elvis as I travel between reception and my eighth-floor room.

If you're into Africa, a luxury flying safari is the way to see - and taste - the continent at its best, writes Sandy Kilgour.

Pamela Wade goes north to Alaska for a taste of tourist-oriented gold-rush era hospitality.

Hamish Taylor flies NZ8223 and NZ8214 on a short North Island domestic trip.

Gaze skywards at one of these five cracking American observatories.

In Turkey, those who do not want to remember the past are choosing to concrete over it, writes Ewan McDonald.

What do a rare Hawaiian monk seal and legendary rocker Mick Fleetwood have in common? A charmed life in Maui.

Passengers who recline without thinking are no friends of mine.

Snowmen in Brazil? Diana Clement checks it out.

Josh Burgess checks into a 'bohemian chic' studio apartment in Hollywood.

Downunder wakes up to sports tourism, but Dylan Cleaver passes on the hotdog.

The best travel experiences are often surprises and so it proved when I set out to reclaim the throne of Scotland.

DIY bus tours make the most of time, writes Peter Hamling.